The Root of the Matter

Sarah is a knockout with her long, flowing
mane of soft, shiny, healthy hair. There are several ways to promote
that “healthy glow,” including: not
using hot curling irons, relaxers, straightening irons, etc.;
using body boosters, moisturizing shampoos, and conditioners;
adding hair sunscreens to protect your locks; and employing
chemical “clearing” treatments, if necessary, to
rid hair of salt, chlorine, and other chemicals.

By Kristianna Nichols

Ahhhhh… summer is finally here. Your days are filled with warmer weather, the sunshine, and for some of you, the sand beneath your feet. What better time to show off your gorgeous locks — that is, if they’re not dry, brittle, and lacking in shine. The heat of the sun, plus exposure to the ocean’s salt water, chlorine, and other harsh swimming-pool chemicals, definitely amplify the “wear and tear” we already put our hair through and, as a result, can cause the hair shaft to break off and look “lifeless.”

Whether your hair is short or long, layered or blunt, there are
many helpful practices that will get to the “root” of your summer hair problems. Don’t weigh your mane down with heavy products and complicated hairstyles… lighten
up with lightweight sunscreens and detanglers, while also pampering
your hair with hot-oil treatments weekly.

When your hair turns dry and unhealthy, it won’t shine. To achieve a soft, touchable look, the hair needs to be free of build-up and breakage. Help your coif by providing hydration to its cuticle through less-frequent washings, and by using leave-in conditioners and moisturizing shampoos. If you feel that you need to wash your hair daily, try rinsing it instead and using a lighter conditioner, which will still leave your hair feeling clean and fresh but won’t
dry it out.

Now that you know how to maintain luster, strength, and shine, I
also want to show you the easiest and most sought-after seasonal
styles. Our models’ looks range from “full and flippy” to “soft and sultry,” and can serve double duty by going from day to nighttime and from the beach to a formal occasion. Whatever your summer days (and evenings) hold in store for you, there’s
no reason you need to look frazzled with these hot hair solutions.

Stefania is absolutely darling with her
medium-length hair that is cut in several layers all over her head.
The layers begin at mid-length and lightly taper into the blunt cut.
A blunt cut always makes your hair look fuller. Her highlights are
heavier in the front and work nicely into the crown and nap to make
them look natural. Her bangs are cut long and wispy to frame her face
and emphasize her eyes. Stefania’s hair was sprayed lightly with a “shine gloss” for
an added outdoors boost.

Sheri brings back the glamour of the ’80s with this revamped Farrah Fawcett ’do. Long layers and soft bangs are cut to highlight a gorgeous face, while she gives her hair a “break” for a couple of months. Growing your hair out during this time is a great idea (think, “Less time in the salon, less money spent and more time for the beach.”) With this cut you don’t have as much upkeep… you can get up and go, and it’s
long enough to wear up or down, sleek or full.

Sarah brings back the sweet Southern style for the warmer days ahead
with this perfectly coifed look that is versatile and trendy. Her hair
is teased at the crown and then smoothed to add the height. The longs
bangs and sides of hair are swept back into a mid-cinched ponytail.
The longer hair is then pulled around the “pony” and pinned
with dark brown bobby pins for a natural but styled look. Sarah added
hair extensions for length and fullness.

Jessica is sleek and sexy with a very tropical evening look that
starts with her hair severely parted at the side and slicked back with
hair gel (gel is great not just to style but to hold). Choose from among several hair gels that don’t have alcohol in them — great
during the summer. Also, use a leave-in conditioner, oil treatment,
or moisturizing balm before you begin styling to give the hair added
protection against brittleness. Gently brush back the hair into a low
ponytail.

Elisabeth is sultry and sexy for the hot summer nights ahead. Her long,
thick hair is given a rest from the blow dryer, curling irons, and straighteners
for a couple of months. Her hair is swept up in two different layers.
The top and sides of hair are pulled into a tight ponytail (her bangs
are tucked behind her ears), then the rest of the hair is upswept loosely
into a “pony.” This boosts this look’s “messy” — or should I say “sexy” — glamour.